The Dropout Nation Podcast: Building Ties Between School Reformers and Grassroot Activists

On this week’s Dropout Nation Podcast, I explain why school reformers need to reach out to grassroots activists. Inside-the-Beltway policymaking, important as it is, will mean nothing for improving the educational destinies of children if school reformers don’t reach out to urban groups such as the Black Star Project and activists working in suburban and rural communities.

You can listen to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download directly to your iPod or MP3 player. Also, subscribe to get the podcasts every week. It is also available on iTunes, Blubrry, Podcast Alley, the Education Podcast Network and Zune Marketplace.

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Burning Questions In the World of School Reform

Some things to consider this week:

1. Why is it that Jay P. Greene, Michael Holzman, Sara Mead and Erin Dillon are the only players in school reform interested in addressing the problems within America’s special education programs? Based on the evidence that school districts are essentially diverting chunks of the $11 billion in stimulus funds for such programs into regular classrooms, shouldn’t this — and the other widespread problems — be as concerning to ed reformers as the achievement gap?
2. Will the next frontier in social entrepreneurism come in helping children and parents choose the best schools for their educational needs? Right now, this sorely-needed element in sustaining school reform remains all but ignored within the Beltway. But without such grassroots outfits — and companies providing similar information services on regional and national levels — all the progress made by the wonks will be for naught.
3. As Democrats such as Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd head for greener pastures, will Republicans offer a compelling package of school reforms? Or could many members of the GOP find themselves teaming up with the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association in opposing the reauthorization of No Child and other measures?
4. Which city will join New York City, D.C., L.A., Milwaukee and New Orleans as the leading hotbeds for school reform activities? Indianapolis could be a possibility if Mayor Greg Ballard fully embraces predecessor Bart Peterson’s charter school mandate. But can he? Will it be Michael Jackson’s hometown, which has one of the highest concentrations of charter schools? Or could it actually be St. Louis? Your thoughts?